Manchester United continue to pursue Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong, while another surprising target has emerged on the radar for Erik ten Hag this summer.

Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez were handed Premier League debuts for the club against Brighton on Sunday afternoon as United slipped to a 2-1 defeat in that frustrating curtain raiser. Pascal Gross struck twice for the Seagulls as United momentarily hit back with an own goal.

It underlined the need for Ten Hag to strengthen further this month and the De Jong saga rumbles on. Cristiano Ronaldo's future also remains unclear.

Shortly after Brighton had walked away from Old Trafford with three points, interest in veteran Austrian star Marko Arnautovic came to the fore. It was a revelation that raised eyebrows on social media and beyond as United eye up attack-minded recruits before the window shuts.